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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






2. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






3. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






4. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






5. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






6. Repetition of a single tone.






7. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






8. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






9. A direction to play expressively.






10. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






11. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






12. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






13. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






14. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






15. A short light musical drama.






16. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






17. Singing in unison - texts in a free rhythm. Similar to the rhythm of speech.






18. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.






19. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






20. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






21. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.






22. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






23. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






24. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






25. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






26. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






27. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






28. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






29. Pertaining to the fugue - the overlapping of the same theme or motif by two or more voices a few beats apart.






30. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






31. Three to four movement orchestral piece - generally in sonata form.






32. Suite of Baroque dances.






33. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






34. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






35. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






36. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






37. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






38. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






39. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






40. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






41. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






42. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






43. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






44. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






45. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






46. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






47. The piece of cane in wind instruments. The players cause vibrations by blowing through it in order to produce sound.






48. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






49. Indicating speed.






50. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.